Normally peaceful, but may become territorial with other gouramies or similar fish.

Temperature:

22-28oC (72-82oF)

Water chemistry:

Good water quality required, soft to medium hard, pH 6.5-7.5

Feeding:

Omnivorous, most foods accepted, include plenty of vegetable matter.

Sexing:

Males are generally larger, and more colourful; females tend to be silvery.

Breeding:

Bubble nest builder. Remove female after spawning.
The male will guard the eggs and fry, and should be removed when they are free swimming.

Comments:

Best kept in pairs in a peaceful, well planted aquarium. A variety of colour forms have been produced, including
'Blood red' (pictured), 'Neon blue', etc.
The captive-bred stock currently available seem quite prone to internal problems such as Dropsy. To minimise the chances of this,
maintain excellent water quality and feed a varied diet.